This museum is housed in the red brick restored U.S. Custom House. We recognized the style of the building as Richardsonian, but I had to ask the ticket seller if he was the architect. I found that to be a gap. The small art museum is on the first floor and the second floor has more about the history. For us, the most interesting thing was a short film about the building of the railroad to Key West. The price of admission was right---$6 for AAA members. Otherwise, $8 for adults.

Interesting museum. Good for a rainy day excursion. Not quite big city, but charming for a small town.

The restoration of this building is awesome and the displays give you a good overall view of the town...but the title is not misleading...

Although the first floor for this wonderful little museum may seem a bit underwhelming as it is dedicated solely to local art and artist, the second floor is a whole different story. The story of the building of the Florida East Coast Overseas Railway Extension from Homestead to Key West in the very early 1900's and its ultimate demise by the Categary 5 hurricane on Sept 2, 1935 is well documented and depticted in videos, pictures and art. If you do not take the time to listen to the one audio and two video presentations on the railroad, you have missed the bulk of the experience at this museum.

Outside of the Overseas Railroad Extension exhibits, there is significant coverage of Ernest "Papa" Hemingway and local folk artist Mario Sanchez. Although most people have heard of, or read, Hemingway's books, few may know of Key West native artist Mario Sanchez who created his painting by first etching them in wood, then painting the etched wood into glorious detai. Take the time to watch the video of his life and work as well.

Given the variety of the well designed and informative exhibits, touring this museum is well worth the $6 admission price.